Family of serviceman wounded in action receives new home

SANDESTIN — Tuesday morning was an exciting one for the Kolfage family as they attended the dedication ceremony of their new home at Burnt Pine.

The family of four arrived in a motorized golf cart to a standing ovation from the crowd of mostly new neighbors who had come to welcome them to their new home in the Sandestin community.

The home is a reality thanks to the collaboration of agencies that came together under the Gary Sinise and the Veterans United foundations to provide a home for Brian Kolfage, who was wounded during the line of duty, his wife, Ashley, and two small children.

The ceremony was emotional as speakers from the various agencies welcomed the Kolfages to their new home and thanked Brian for his service.

"Today is mine and my family's day, but tomorrow will be another veteran's day," Brian said. "The Gary Sinise Foundation changes lives."

The specially adapted smart home was designed by Brian himself to give him freedom to move in any room in the house and to the outdoors. Even the closets, switches and counter heights were designed with his needs in mind so he can live the most independent life possible.

"This is great," Brian said when he entered the completed home.

Young Paris Kolfage was eager to show visitors to her room and her younger brother's, and would not accept help in climbing up to the top bunk in her brother's room.

"This is so exciting," Ashley said. "The community has been so nice, hospitable and helpful that they now feel like family, and this feels like home."

The Kolfages will officially move into their new home in a couple weeks.

For more information on the Sinise Foundation and its R.I.S.E. program, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.